International Education Week Nov. 16-21

WMU's 2009 IEW celebration is in memory of
Dr. Diether H. Haenicke, a stalwart advocate
for international education

Western Michigan University will showcase a wide variety of countries and cultures during International Education Week Sunday Nov. 16 through Saturday Nov. 21. WMU's observation of the week-long national celebration of international education is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Diether H. Haenicke, who served as WMU's president from 1985-1998 and as interim president for one year in 2006-07 until current President John M. Dunn was hired.

WMU's Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education has organized a full slate of activities featuring the culture and cuisine of 15 countries or regions of the world. Most events planned are free, open to the public and take place on the main WMU campus in Kalamazoo.

"The week gives us a chance to highlight the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide," says Kimberly Ritter, coordinator of international student activities in the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education.  "Education is a shared value in our interconnected world.  Throughout the week we will offer many activities that will enhance mutual understanding, expand a greater awareness of culture, language, and customs, and develop international perspectives."

A joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education, International Education Week serves in part to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and to attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in America.

Last year, events took place in all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries.  For more information about WMU's celebration, contact Kimberly Ritter at kimberly.ritter@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5859.  More information about the national observance is available at iew.state.gov.

International Education Week events

Monday, November 16

Muslim Student Gathering
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 204
Members of the Muslim Student Association will host a cultural display and show videos of the group’s events to increase understanding of Muslim culture.  Free.

Fulbright Reception
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Richmond Center
A reception for Fulbright scholars, international visiting scholars. (By invitation only)

Japan Festival
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wesley Foundation
Japanese food and culture will be showcased by the WMU Japan Club. Free.

Tuesday, November 17

Study Abroad Info Table
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Bernhard Center food court
Study abroad advisors and former study abroad students will host an informational table on the lower level near the food court. Free.

OneVoice
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 204
Members of OneVoice, an international grassroots organization working toward a two-state solution guaranteeing an end to the violence in Israel and Palestine, will host a presentation and question/answer session about their work. Free

Geography Bowl
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 209
Match your world geography wits against others in a trivia bowl presented by WMU’s Geography Department. Free and open to observers. Contact Maran Subramain to register a team of 4-6 participants: maran.subramain@wmich.edu

Russian Club Movie and Dinner
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wesley Foundation
The Russian Club will show a film and Russian food will be served after the movie. Free

Wednesday, November 18

CELCIS Language Experience
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 208
How quickly can you learn a foreign language? Test your skills with international students. Make new friends and have fun!

Malaysian Night: Experience the Beauty of Diversity
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wesley Foundation
Malaysian food, fashions, dance and wedding ceremonies will be featured at this event planned by the Malaysian Student Organization. Free.

Thursday, November 19

Study Abroad Info Table
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Bernhard Center food court
Study abroad advisors and former study abroad students will host an informational table on the lower level near the food court. Free.

Thanksgiving Lunch
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Kanley Chapel
International Student Fellowship will provide the historical background for the American Thanksgiving Day. A Thanksgiving lunch will be provided, including mashed potatoes, turkey, a vegetable, pie and a beverage. Free.

Chinese Cultural Mini Sports
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Venue: Kanley Chapel
The Association of Chinese Students and Scholars hosts demonstrations of mini sports from their homeland, including ping-pong, rope skating, blow out the candles, bowling, fishing, ferruling and darting. Homemade Chinese food served. Free.

Dominican Republic – Where it all began…
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Venue: Kanley Chapel
A presentation of Dominican history and culture through symbols a sample of food, music and trivia. Also, a guest speaker will discuss Dominican’s culture and its evolution. Free.

Friday, November 20

Brazilian Martial Arts Dance (Cordao De Ouro)
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 208
Demonstration of three styles: Capoeira – An Afro-Brazilian martial art that incorporates dance acrobatics, and martial arts; Samba – A Latin dance; Maculele – African stick fighting. Free.

IPC Scavenger Hunt
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 205
WMU’s International Programs Council will host a campus scavenger hunt with prizes. IPC meeting and free pizza follows the hunt. Free.

MSA Semi-annual Dinner
5.30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bernhard Center East Ballroom
Free Lecture entitled 'From the Original Sin to the Color of Skin: Gender, Class and Racial Equality in Islam'. The night will feature the keynote address by Zaid Shakir, followed by a question and answer session, multicultural dinner, and multiethnic exhibition. Prior registration required at: http://www.rso.wmich.edu/msa
 
Saturday, November 21

Russian To The Festival
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fetzer Center
Experience Russian art, music, food, vendors, drama, dancing, academia, silent auction, and chess. Free.

Indian Student Association—Legally Desi 2009
7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Bernhard Center East Ballroom
Dance performances, skits, a multimedia presentation and fashion show. Indian snacks will be catered. Tickets are free to WMU students and $7 for non WMU students.